Piero Hincapie Injury Scare as Arsenal Defender Is Carried Off During Warm-Down After Leeds Win

Arsenal's 2-1 win over Leeds United was overshadowed by a fresh injury concern after Ecuador international Piero Hincapie was carried off during the warm-down following the final whistle at the Emirates Stadium.

Hincapie had come on as a late substitute against Daniel Farke's side and completed the extra running that most clubs use after matches, but he was seen clutching his right ankle as he was helped from the pitch — carried off by goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

It is unclear how serious the problem is, and the defender now faces an anxious wait to discover whether he requires another spell on the sidelines. The scare adds to Arsenal's fitness worries, with the Gunners already missing the injured William Saliba, whose calmness at the heart of defence has been notably absent.

A defensive department under strain

Arsenal won the league last season in part because of their excellent defence, conceding the fewest goals in the division, but they have already shipped five in six games this term. The partnership of Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba is regarded as one of the best in world football, and Arsenal look to be feeling Saliba's absence.

Ezri Konsa was brought in from Aston Villa for £55m over the summer and, despite his quality, is still getting used to his new surroundings.

Hincapie signed for the club on a permanent deal this summer, having initially joined on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last season. He has suffered from muscular issues this term, making the latest setback a particular worry for Mikel Arteta's side as they look to keep pace with Manchester City at the top of the table.